Director of Preconstruction

Fred Smith Company is currently searching for a Director of Preconstruction for our Estimating Team in Raleigh. We are a heavy civil contractor working in the commercial sitework, public infrastructure and asphalt markets in North Carolina.

This position requires an individual that is a self-starter and who works well in a team setting as well as demonstrates the ability to work independently. Good judgement and attention to detail are required in all routine duties and any other assigned tasks. Role requires a person that is personable, authentic, and approachable to clients, co-workers, and industry partners.

Director of Preconstruction should be capable of providing clients with quality customer service, coordinating with partners, and communicating with internal team members. The person should be a hands-on team player who isn’t afraid to creatively solve problems. This person is relationship driven and collaborative. They are able to take direction from supervisors, but also delegate tasks and mentor to team members appropriately.

Responsibilities:

• Lead & manage preconstruction services including sales, budgeting, estimating, and client satisfaction.
• Build, develop, and maintain a strong, trusting, and respectful relationship with stakeholders, including owners, subcontractors, vendors, engineers, consultants, and the public during all phases of preconstruction.
• Serve as a customer advocate by gathering, listening to, and responding to customer feedback.
• Prepare conceptual/schematic estimates, budgets, GMPs, etc to support clients, including scope clarifications, schedules, cost-saving strategies, etc.
• Identify leads and opportunities for new construction projects, and pursue potential projects that align with company strategy and objectives. Work closely with Estimating Team to ensure bid schedules can be achieved.
• Conduct initial analysis of drawings and specifications to ensure required documentation is present and determine scope of work, project schedule/duration, etc.
• Critically analyze bid documents and understand risk and opportunities.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate project estimates, including costs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors, based on Bid-Build, Design-Build or CM/GC delivery methods.
• Coordinate preparation of estimates with operations to ensure proper operational input is provided and evaluated during the estimating process.
• Lead value engineering efforts to serve our clients. Conduct thorough cost analysis and value engineering to optimize project budgets for our clients and ensure cost-effectiveness, as well as providing pricing alternates.
• Develop preconstruction schedules ensuring timely completion of all activities to meet client needs, identifying potential scheduling conflicts and developing mitigation strategies to avoid delays.
• Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of all proposals and other materials presented to the owner, general contractor, etc. on a project, ensuring that our proposal succinctly communicates the pricing and scope of work.
• Consistently follow up with clients on submitted proposals and budgets, and provide proposal modifications as necessary to meet the needs of our clients up until contract execution.
• Actively participate in proposal presentations, scope reviews, contract negotiations, and owner meetings as required.
• Lead contract negotiations with clients ensuring favorable terms for Fred Smith Company. Review and negotiate contract agreements in coordination with legal department during the preconstruction process.
• Ensure the Estimating Team prepares and conducts a thorough handoff of estimating knowledge and bid documents to the project management team in a timely manner in order to set up projects up for success.
• Conduct weekly sales review meetings with senior management personnel.
• Build, develop, and strengthen relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Perform market research to stay informed about competitors, industry trends, and economic factors in order to guide decision making and strategic initiatives.
• Organize the estimating team, providing leadership and direction with regards to means and methods, schedule and strategy.
• Create & maintain a culture that values safety, health, ethics, & environmental stewardship.
• Participates in the annual review process and, in conjunction with the Personnel department, participates in the interview and hiring process for new candidates.
• Lead, train, coach, & mentor personnel to develop a cohesive & effective team, while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Establish priorities for the project staff based on owner & project requirements.
• Ensure that all personnel follow company policies and procedures in accordance with the Field Process Manual and the Business Process Manual.
• Ensure company safety policies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, & all OSHA and any state level agencies regulations are enforced.
• Adherence to equal employment opportunity for all employees & applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin & disability.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to foster client relationships and represent the Company to external stakeholders.
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Requires strong business acumen, exceptional negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively influence decisions among team members, partners, and customers.
• Ability to set goals, plan and manage projects, manage the risks involved, calculate budgets, cost, time and work with internal and external team members and customers.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of prior construction / estimating experience in the heavy civil industry preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid estimating software or equivalent program for Civil Estimating.
• Proficiency with AGTEK takeoff software preferred.
• Local candidates with a strong understanding of the regional civil construction market preferred.
• Previous experience working in the field is a strong plus.
• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred.
• Valid drivers license with positive driving history.

We provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including affordable health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, and a 401k plan with a generous match. Fred Smith Company is dedicated to the achievement of equality of opportunity for all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status under federal, state or local law. Fred Smith Company is an E-Verify Participant.